This is a painting of fantastical creatures and celestial figures with scriptural text. The composition features a scene where mythical beings, including a majestic behemoth and a coiled serpent, are surrounded by angelic and human figures. The central image appears to be an illustration of biblical creatures with intricate detailing. Two ethereal angelic figures hover above, partially embracing or communicating with seated figures beneath them. The scene is rich in symbolism and detail, with ornamental borders embellished with flowing lines and accompanying scriptural text. This is in the style of William Blake, known for his illustrative style combining poetry, religious mythology, and fantastical elements.
Read the visual description

This is a painting of fantastical creatures and celestial figures with scriptural text. The composition features a scene where mythical beings, including a majestic behemoth and a coiled serpent, are surrounded by angelic and human figures. The central image appears to be an illustration of biblical creatures with intricate detailing. Two ethereal angelic figures hover above, partially embracing or communicating with seated figures beneath them. The scene is rich in symbolism and detail, with ornamental borders embellished with flowing lines and accompanying scriptural text. This is in the style of William Blake, known for his illustrative style combining poetry, religious mythology, and fantastical elements.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Behemoth and Leviathan

William Blake

Date
1825
Medium
engraving on India paper
Classification
Print
Accession number
1941.1.240
Credit line
Gift of W.G. Russell Allen
Time span
1801 to 1825
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Book of Job: plate 15

Subjects and terms

  • Angel
  • British
  • Snake
  • animal
  • Figures
  • Monster

NGA object ID 819. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.